Joint injuries are serious as they make it difficult for the person to use the affected joint either partially or completely. This will depend upon the cause of the condition. Some injuries are so serious that joint replacement surgery is the last option left for their treatment. During such surgeries, different types of orthopaedic Implants and orthopedic instruments may be required.
One of the joints that are commonly affected is the acromioclavicular joint, and this will be our topic of discussion in the post. Before we move ahead, let us have a brief look at what the acromioclavicular joint is.
What is an AC Joint?
Abbreviated for the acromioclavicular joint, the AC joint is the joint that is present at the top of the shoulder. It is formed by the acromion (part of the scapula) and the clavicle. This joint helps in performing various movements of the arm like raising it above the head. It is a type of plane synovial joint that is supported by cartilages, ligaments, and muscles.
One of the commonest conditions seen in the AC joint is arthritis. It is a chronic inflammation that affects the normal functioning of the joint. Let us see some other conditions that affect this shoulder joint.
What Are the Conditions that Affect the AC Joint?
The acromioclavicular joint can get affected due to multiple causes including traumatic and non-traumatic. Here are some of the common AC joint problems:
Dislocations
Dislocations occur due to traumatic injuries like automobile accidents, sports-related trauma, falling on an outstretched arm, or a direct impact with a solid object. In these cases, the bones forming the joint get displaced from their true anatomical position. The severity of the condition will depend upon the cause and intensity of the impact.
Osteoarthritis
Age-related wear & tear of cartilages and bone-deterioration are the common causes of osteoarthritis. This condition is often seen in the elderly.
Cartilages provide shock-absorption ability to the joint, and when they start to wear out, the bones that form the joint rub against each other. This results in pain, inflammation, limited joint motion, and irritation around the joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is the condition that arises when the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the AC joint. The symptoms noticed here will be the same as seen in the case of osteoarthritis. A family history of arthritis or arthritis in other joints could also be the reason for problems in the AC joint.
Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infection affecting the joint could be sudden and severe. Inflammation is the most common symptom noticed in such cases. When it comes to infection, a weak immune system is a major cause.
What Are the Symptoms of AC Joint Problems?
The symptoms may vary depending upon the cause and type of problem that occurred. Some of the common ones noticed include:
- Intense pain at the top of the shoulder
- Inflammation
- Clicking or popping sound when the shoulder is moved
- Difficulty in lifting the arm
- Neck or arm pain may also be on the cards
How Are AC Joint Problems Diagnosed?
A proper diagnosis of the condition requires a thorough medical history check and physical examination. This will help the doctor identify the right cause of the symptoms along with the movements that cause pain. Besides this, for confirmation, radiological tests like X-ray are mandatory. Radiological tests provide a detailed report of the injury and injury site. Thus, a feasible treatment procedure can be chosen.
How Are AC Joint Problems Treated?
The diagnosis of the condition will decide what type of treatment will be the best. Besides this, the age of the person along with underlying health conditions also has a role in deciding the feasible treatment.
Mild and moderate problems in the AC joint can be treated with medication and physical therapy. In some cases, a splint or sling may also be required.
If these methods fail to provide relief, surgery may be required. Again, the type of surgical procedure needed will depend on the condition that occurred.
Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. is an experienced orthopedic device manufacturer based in India. The company produces a huge range of orthopedic implants required for the surgical fixation of various orthopedic conditions. Siora also exports its entire range of products to different countries and is also looking to become one of the best Orthopaedic Companies in Argentina for supplying high-quality trauma implants.